Clarence John Oberg, 94, of Farnam, passed away on June 2, 2009, at the Gothenburg Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 20, 1914, to John and Antonia (Johnson) Oberg at Farnam.

He attended school at Orfino School, Sunflower College (District 3) and Farnam High School, graduating in 1931. Clarence lived his whole life in Frontier County with the exception of his time in the Army. Clarence worked as a farmer and rancher in Frontier County throughout his lifetime.

On Sept. 6, 1945, he married Ruby Chesbrough in Fitchburg, Mass. To this union five sons and one daughter were born.

Clarence served in the Army as a member of the 45th Squadron, a branch of the 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was trained as a gunner for tanks. While in Rome, Clarence fought inside St Peter's Cathedral and was injured by a German grenade. He carried those fragments for the rest of his life. Clarence also took part in Operation Overload. His squad was one of the first to arrive in Normandy. Clarence was wounded again in Normandy. After his release from the hospital this time, he was assigned as a medic. Clarence was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor. He was Honorably Discharged and returned home shortly before the treaty was signed with Japan, ending the war. He returned to the United States on Aug. 29, 1945.

Clarence very active in his community. He was a member of the Nazarene Church in Farnam, serving as the Sunday school secretary for 60 years. He was a member of Farnam American Legion Post 288, Farnam VFW and the Lions Club, served on the school board at Sunflower College District 3, and managed the Farnam Co-op.

Clarence is survived by his loving spouse of 63 years, Ruby; sons, Edward (Laura) Oberg of Farnam, Roger (Nancy) Oberg of Farnam, Don (Barbara) Oberg of Kearney, Richard (Karen) Oberg of Axtell, Jeff (Dynette) Oberg of Arnold; daughter, Louise (Dave) Jones of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters, Lois Rice of Gothenburg; grandsons, Jeffrey Oberg, Bradley Oberg, Kevin Oberg, Chester Oberg, Michael Oberg, Matthew Jones, Christopher Jones, Timothy Jones, Peter Jones; granddaughters, Sara Oberg, Kristin Oberg, Rebecca Rabel, Antonia Oberg; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his, father, John Oberg; mother, Antonia Oberg; sister, Ruby Ulrich; sister, Gladys Sukraw; brother, Lawrence Oberg; grandson, Chad Oberg; granddaughter, Allison Oberg.

Visitation will be Friday, June 5, from 2-8 p.m., with family present from 6-8 p.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.

Services will be Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at the Farnam Nazarene Church in Farnam with Pastor Cliff Transmeier officiating. Burial with full military rites will be at the Farnam Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Farnam Nazarene Church Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be given at www.blasestrauser.com.

North Platte Telegraph, 5 June 2009.